Wednesday, February 13, 2013

No Juan Cruz

Juan Cruz has decided he would rather remain unemployed than attempt to win a spot in the Phillies 2013 bullpen. Back in mid-January, Cruz was "signed" to a minor league contract. However, he never officially put his John Hancock (oh, so dirty!) on the dotted line. Apparently he didn't like that Amaro went out and signed Chad Durbin to a guaranteed contract, essentially leaving him to battle in out with a bunch of youngsters for rank in the Phils relief corps.

Below you will see my edited post from January 16th that welcomed Juan Cruz aboard. Bon voyage bitch!

Matt Gelb, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, says that this was a mutual decision.

Mike Schmidt is the best all-around 3rd baseman of all-time and one of the game's greatest players in general.

Dom Brown might end up being good, and possibly even great, but there is nearly ZERO percent chance that he'll turn into a Mike Schmidt type player.

I know Schmidt struggled early in his career, don't even have to look at this stats. If memory serves me, I think he only hit .172 in his rookie season, that's abysmal. He's my 2nd favorite Phillie of all-time (Utley now is because I witnessed his entire career).

Schmidt hit .206 in a late season call up then .196 in his rookie season. Thing is, he defense was superior and back then offense wasn't so "big", so he managed a positive WAR both season. Then he exploded his 2nd full season in the Majors.

I think Dom Brown still has a chance to be good. I just hate that you compare his career path to Schmidt's.

Was reading ESPN's offseason grade of the Phillies and their team heading into 2013 season. It's not nice. Trashed the Delmon Young signing (as did I) because he isn't good offensively and he's literally one of the worst outfielders in not the worst in the Majors in terms of defense. ESPN wasn't fond of the Michael Young acquisition either because he's flawed offensively and his defense is also horrible.

Ruf may end up being a horrible outfielder, but by golly I wish they'd give him a chance to prove himself.

Dude you didn't just compare Dom Brown to Michael Jack did ya? I understand the slow career start at the plate but Schmidt was turning heads from day 1 of his career in the field. Brown doesn't even know how to track a ball in the outfield proper. Should have traded him long ago.